Further details on the Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World partnership

Teranka in Formentera, Spain (Source)

In February 2024, Hilton announced an exclusive new partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH). This collaboration is now being implemented in a limited capacity, providing a glimpse into its functionality.

Hilton partners with SLH for boutique luxury hotels

Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World are introducing an exclusive strategic partnership, allowing Hilton Honors members to earn and redeem points at hundreds of boutique luxury properties worldwide. This partnership significantly expands the luxury options available to Hilton Honors members. To earn and redeem points through this partnership, bookings must be made via Hilton’s booking channels.

For those unfamiliar with SLH, it is a consortium of around 560 boutique hotels. Unlike major hotel groups, SLH does not manage these properties directly. Instead, it serves as a community of independent hotels that prefer not to join large hotel groups.

SLH has a marketing agreement with these hotels, and Hilton is now progressively implementing a marketing partnership with SLH. These properties won't be fully integrated into Hilton's portfolio; instead, Hilton will earn a commission for bookings made through its channels and pass on a portion of that commission to consumers as points.

Flemings Mayfair in London, England (Source)

How the Hilton & SLH partnership works in practice

Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World are gradually rolling out their partnership. The first phase involves three properties now bookable through Hilton Honors channels (although currently showing as "sold out"). These properties are:

• Teranka in Formentera, Spain

• Nobu Hotel in Marbella, Spain

• Flemings Mayfair in London, England

Hilton is releasing limited inventory from these boutique properties, with more to be added as the partnership progresses. About 100 properties are expected to join the portfolio by the end of 2024, marking a slow rollout.

Hilton Honors members can enjoy the following perks with eligible SLH bookings:

• Non-elite members: Guaranteed member discount, complimentary Wi-Fi, late check-out (subject to availability), bottled water, and no resort fees on award stays

• Silver members: 20% points bonus and a fifth night free on award redemptions, plus non-elite member perks

• Gold members: 80% points bonus, complimentary breakfast for two, and space-available upgrades, plus non-elite member perks

• Diamond members: 100% points bonus, complimentary breakfast for two, and space-available upgrades, plus non-elite member perks

Nobu Hotel in Marbella, Spain (Source)

Hilton Honors members can earn and redeem points for eligible SLH stays at the same rate as full-service Hilton properties: 10x Honors points per dollar spent, plus one elite night per night stayed. For redemptions, SLH properties will follow the standard Hilton Honors award system, with a maximum of 150,000 Honors points per night, and Hilton Honors free night awards can be used at these properties.

The Hyatt & SLH partnership has ended

If this partnership sounds familiar, it's because Hyatt and SLH had a similar collaboration starting in 2018, which ended in May 2024. Hyatt's acquisition of Mr & Mrs Smith, a luxury travel agency, led to this change, as the integration of Mr & Mrs Smith properties into Hyatt’s channels created an overlap.

Recent shifts in hotel partnerships include MGM moving from Hyatt to Marriott and IHG transitioning to Hyatt after its previous partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith.

Bottom line

Hilton and Small Luxury Hotels of the World are launching an exclusive collaboration following the end of Hyatt's partnership with SLH. While the rollout is gradual, the partnership shows promise, particularly in terms of points redemption.

This information was first shared on onemileatatime.com.